Cruise The Indonesian Archipelago on Aqua Adventures brand new cruise itinerary. The Aqua Blu is the perfect luxurious platform to see the one of world’s most unspoilt natural wonders.
What is the Indonesian Archipelago?
Indonesia is the world largest island chain (archipelago) country. With over 17,000 tropical islands stretching over 3,100 miles Indonesia is a prime location for cruise adventures.
Panoramic view of majestic Padar Island during magnificent sunset.
More than 200 ethnic groups, the largest of which is Javanese, co-exist in a shared national identity. Indonesia is a stable and democratic presidential republic.
Although mostly Muslim, there is religious pluralism. The government recognizes Islam, Protestantism, Catholicism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Confucianism as official religions.
Bridging the continents of Asia and Australia, there are a multitude of amazing landscapes and biodiversity. Situated at the heart of the coral triangle and along the Ring of Fire. There are endemic species including Komodo Dragons, Orangutans and the Cendrawasih Bird of Paradise.
Indonesia’s extensive coral reef is regarded as the richest and most diverse in the world. It is the ultimate paradise for divers and underwater enthusiasts.
What is there to see on the Indonesian Archipelago Cruises?
With vast seas studded with islands of unique character, Indonesia is the perfect setting for unforgettable coastal cruise expeditions. Characteristic volcanic landscapes and colorful wildlife. A cultural treasure trove of age-old traditions and well-preserved colonial-era relics.
Its flora and fauna is a mixture of Asian and Australasian species. Large species such as the Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros, orangutan, Asian elephant, and leopard were once abundant as far east as Bali, but numbers have dwindled.
Sulawesi, Nusa Tenggara, and Maluku have developed their unique flora and fauna. Papua was part of Australia and is home to a unique fauna and flora closely related. Forests cover approximately 70% of the country.
Indonesia has 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These include the Borobudur Temple Compounds and the Komodo National Park. The Raja Ampat Islands are a tentative list.
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park spans an area of 669 square miles (1,817 square kilometers). It comprises of three main islands: Komodo, Padar and Rinca. Several of these are inhabited by Komodo Dragon, the largest lizard species on Earth.
Departing from Bali and Flores, this sensational 7 night cruise offers an in-depth exploration of the legendary Komodo National Park.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Komodo National Park is a wonder of nature in every way imaginable. Ancient volcanic activity has created some of the most spectacular coastal terrain on Earth. Marvel at picture perfect savannah hills, bays and beaches. The Park’s stunning marine parks offer some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the world.
Ambon & Spice Islands
The Ambon & Spice Islands 7 night cruise expedition across the Banda Sea embraces culture, nature and wildlife. Setting sail from Ambon, Aqua Blu cruises south across the Banda Sea to the Spice Islands. The destination is steeped in historical significance and is unspoilt.
The Spice Islands (or Banda Islands) are the origin of nutmeg, a spice that was worth more than gold in terms of weight. Old World explorers included Christopher Columbus and Ferdinand Magellan, sought the spice. The Dutch established control from 1607 until the late 18th century. In that time, they built numerous colonial-styled buildings and fortifications. Surrounded by the local town and the nutmeg plantations, these structures remain mostly well-preserved.
Today, setting foot on the Spice Islands is like entering a spectacular living museum on Earth. Time appears to have stood still for decades. Centuries old relics, such as Fort Belgica, exist alongside the local traditions such as nutmeg cultivation and kora-kora war canoe racing.
Raja Ampat
The Raja Ampat 7-night cruise expedition is a visual spectacle with unmatched marine diversity on show at the best dive and snorkel sites on Earth.
Raja Ampat has world class wildlife is above ground and underwater. I19th-century naturalist Alfred Russell Wallace discovered the bird of paradise.Seeing these birds is arguably one of life’s most rewarding wildlife experiences. These winged wonders live alongside 350 other bird species, including forest kingfishers and king parrots.
Meanwhile, Raja Ampat has many beaches that are the nesting ground for turtle species including the Pacific leatherback. The largest of all living turtle species. While the world’s most extensive network of mangrove forests support populations of dugong and juvenile fish. Raja Ampat is also a designed a Marine Protected Area (MPA) by the Indonesian government.
What is the best way to see it?
The 2019 Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report states that Indonesia scores well on:
- 3rd – Visa policy
- 16th – International openness
- 17th – Natural Environment
- 24th – Cultural resources
However, Indonesia’s tourism infrastructure is still developing in some places score 98th out of 140. So what better way to see this unspoiled part of the earth than a luxury cruise on a small ship?
Aqua Blu is a long-range explorer yacht sailing the region’s most prized destinations, including Komodo National Park, Spice Islands and Raja Ampat on unforgettable 7 and 12 night itineraries.
Aqua Blu – The Latest Luxury Cruises Small Ship from Aqua Expeditions
The Aqua Blu began life as the former British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle. Then it was the private yacht of a European aristocratic family. In 2019 the Dutch yacht designer Cor D. Rover oversaw the refurbishment to bring the vessel to world-class cruising specifications.
Inside the five-deck, 15-suite Aqua Blu, has tastefully paired with a brass and ivory interior theme with generous and inviting indoor and outdoor social spaces, including a sun deck.
Aqua Blu’s naval pedigree makes it the perfect vessel to navigate East Indonesia’s vast seas. Having attained the highest international classifications (RINA, SOLAS, ISM) in safety, the vessel is additionally equipped with Quantum Zero Speed stabilizers for optimal comfort at rest or while sailing.
Aqua Blu’s range stands heads and shoulders above that of its peers in East Indonesia. Able to cover vast distances in a short span of time, in any sea conditions, the vessel enables explorers on board to experience the most varied, enjoyable and rewarding coastal cruise itineraries in this wild and stunningly beautiful region of the world.
How do I get there?
Indonesia’s largest airport, Soekarno–Hatta International Airport in Jakarta has daily flights. Denpasar in Bali is also an international airport with daily flights. Garuda Indonesia, the country’s flag carrier since 1949, is one of the world’s leading airlines.
Visa & Immigration Policies
Foreigners nationals from countries which are included in the 169 Visa Free Country List are entitled for visa exemption, may enter Indonesia from 124 immigration checkpoints and granted a 30 days stay that cannot be extended. Mandatory requirements includes: passport with minimum 6 months validity and return / through tickets.
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